Local media portals report that in 2015, Abu Ali got an accelerated promotion from the Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, for his gallantry and efficiency on the battlefield. An expert in handling armour tanks, he was the commanding officer of the Army’s 272 Tank Battalion.

I call on members of the Armed Forces to not allow this tragic incident dampen their spirits and resolve. Evil will not triumph over good.

He was killed at Mallam Fatori, a major Boko Haram stronghold in the far north of Borno State – home to the insurgency. Sources say he was hit by several bullets as he tried to repel an ongoing attack in the town.

President Buhari whiles mourning the fallen soldier said he had personally sent condolences to the family of the soldier and ordered his Chief of Staff to represent him at today’s burial ceremony.

‘‘No words can do justice to the patriotism and remarkable courage of these soldiers, who laid down their lives for Nigeria. I call on members of the Armed Forces to not allow this tragic incident dampen their spirits and resolve. Evil will not triumph over good,’‘ Buhari said.

Nigerians have expressed their sadness and condolences at the death of the soldier using a twitter hashtag #RIPMuhammadAbuAli